Tours at Khao Sok National Park Thailand

Come and see the great nature of Khao Sok National Park. Khao Sok got a lot of flora and fauna and is the oldest evergreen rainforest in Thailand. All tours are operated by Khao Sok Tour, one of the most experienced and reliable tour operators in Southern Thailand. All tours are join-in tours, but the groups are kept as small as possible.

About Khao Sok National Park

Below some facts about Khao Sok National Park. When you stay here forget the traffic, noise and pollution, the only things that might awake you at night are the sounds of frogs, monkeys and the noise of the unspoiled jungle habitat. We need to be carefull with our nature.

Size

Location

Climate

Geography

Consist of..

Wildlife

Logging

Plantations/Poaching

Uncontrolled tourism

History

The National Park covers an area of 739 km2.
Thanks to two other protected areas (Klong Saers and Khlong Nakha) next to Khao Sok the actual protected area measures almost 4000 km2.

Khao Sok National Park is situated in the southern part of Thailand. It belongs to the Surratani province, about 70 km south-west from Surratani Town. However, Khao Sok borders to the Phang Nga province and is very good accessable from Phang Nga as well. Due to the central location and the sheer size of the Park, it can be accessed from Krabi as well.

Khao Sok is the wettest area in all of Thailand, because it is situated at the mountain ridge separating the west coast from the east coast. Winds from both Thailand’s gulf in the east and from the Andaman Sea in the west blow monsoon rain into the area. It can rain as much as 3500 mm (3,5 m) in one year.

Late December to early February is the driest period with just a little or no rainfall.

The dominant forest is lowland rainforest. The rainforest in Southeast Asia is 160 million years old, which makes it the oldest rainforest on earth.

Khao Sok is well known for its beautiful limestone mountains.The highest limestone peak is 960 m high, but the normal height is 400-600m.

The nature has more in common with the Malaysian forest than the forest in the north of Thailand. The forest in Khao Sok is taller, darker, more humid and evergreen.
There are approximately 200 different floral spices per hectare.

Thailand lost almost 75 % of its forest during the 20th century. Illegal logging:
Logging1989 saw the creation of a law that totally banded logging in Thai rainforest. Even so, illegal logging with the help of elephants is still practiced in the Khao Sok area. The elephant is often preferred over modern technology, because the elephant can move through the forest very quietly.

Let us use the rubber plantations as an example: Rubber trees stop producing latex after 35 years, so they need to be cut down and replaced by new trees. During this replanting, it can be tempting to illegally expand the plantations ever so slightly.

The illegal trade of wild animals, both living and dead, is a big and profitable business. Animals of all kinds are taken out of their natural habitat, to be used in medicine, in the restaurant business, as pets, as tourist attractions and decorations.

A huge number of visitors enter Khao Sok every year and not everybody cares about preservation of nature.

If the number of visitors increases too much, there is a danger that the wildlife will be driven away by too many people trekking the trails criss-crossing the park.
You are of course welcome, but please help preserve the national park. Do not litter, or remove anything from the park, and follow advice from the locals and your guide.

*345 million years ago...
Khao Sok was covered in a delta system (similar to today’s Mississippi delta).

The landmasses started to erode and mudstone and soil fell into the delta. This made both the rivers and the sea shallow and corals and other organism where developed.

*280-55 million years ago...
More eroded mudstone and soil fell into the delta, and this created the limestone we see today.

Fossils from this period tell us that the sea was warm at that time and that Khao Sok was part of a huge coral reef, stretching all the way from China to Borneo. The coral reef was 5 times bigger than today’s “Great Barrier Reef” in Australia.

Granite mixed with limestone and other chemicals, and a lot of tin and tungsten was made.

*66 millions years ago...
Today’s landscape was founded. The limestone was forced upwards when the Indian land-plate crashed into the Eurasian plate. (This happened at the same time as the Himalayan was formed. As the Himalayan Mountain rose, Thailand was moved southeastwards).

The ice age never affected Khao Sok much. The ice never reached this far south in Asia, leaving the landscape and the rivers as they where. When the ice melted again, more water than ever floated into the rivers of Khao Sok, making the flora even richer than it was before.

That is why the rainforest in Khao Sok is older than the forests of Central America and the Amazons, which were covered with ice.

*50 000 - 37 000 years ago...
At this time Khao Sok’s mountains belonged to the same mountain ridge as Borneo.

Evidence has been found of human habitation on Borneo from this period. It is believed that the same people inhabited Khao Sok as well, since the landscape, with all its caves, fruits, plants and animals, was similar to Borneo’s landscape.

*In 1800...
The first historical evidence of human inhabitants in Khao Sok is from 1800. It was during the rule of Rama II and the conflict between Burma and Thailand. A group of survivors from the west coast were forced to hide away in the forest. They discovered the richness of the forest and quickly learned agriculture, fishing and hunting in order to survive.

Quite a lot of the forest was cut down to make room for the growing population.

*In 1944...
A deadly epidemic swept trough the same group of people. The few survivors moved away and the old village was named “Ban Sop”-The village of the dead.

The jungle could rest for a while.

*In 1961...
A road was build straight across the area, to connect Surrathani on the east coast and Phang Nga on the west coast.

Many people settled down along the road and cut down trees and vegetation to give room for houses and plantations. The area was rich with tin and timber, and the government began to sell properties for logging and minding.

It was a big loss for the forest.

*In 1971...
It was discovered that the old delta system was nearly intact and Khao Sok was considered as a possible el-supply for southern Thailand. The area was inspected furthered and people started to realize the wealth of vegetation, animals, limestone mountains and waterfalls. It was decided that all logging and minding should stop, but it took many years before this actually came into effect.

*In 1976 –1980...
A group of communistic students failed to make the changes they wanted in the community, and ended up being considered outlaws. They camped far inside the jungle to avoid the army, which was looking for them.

These conflicts made part of the human population in Khao Sok disappear and the rainforest had a chance to breathe.

*In 1980...
Khao Sok was official established as Thailand’s 22nd national park on the 22nd of December and measured 645 km2.

Later the same year, the borders of the national park were changed to make it possible to flood an area inside Khao Sok, to build the Rachabrapha dam. The dam still supplies large parts of Southern Thailand with electricity.

A huge rescue operation to save the wildlife took place before the flooding. More than 1300 birds, mammals and reptiles was captured and moved away from the area. Sadly, the operation was aimed more at helping on the human consciousness, than to actually save the wildlife. A majority of the animals died during the relocation.
It was a major blow to the wildlife.

*In 2001...
The national park was extended from 645 km2 to 739 km2. The number of wild animals is constantly increasing, and the area surrounding the Rachabrapha dam (the Cheo Larn lake) is once again full of life.

*In 2012...
You visited Khao Sok and had the time of your life :-)

Tour 1: Canoeing on the Sok River, 2 hours.

Description: Canoeing is a very relaxing way to see Khao Sok from a different side. Our experienced English speaking guide take you on a canoe safari aong the Sok River. Genlty following the river you can see the natural beauty of Khao Sok, the evergreen rainforest and the limestone karsts.
Taking a canoe is also good to spot some wildlife. Birds and curled up snakes can be seen at tree branches. If you would like to try a bit canoeing yourself you're free to try!

Tour 2: Tubing on the Sok River, 1 to 3 hours.

Description: Very relaxed and very fun way to see Khao Sok ! While tubbing (letting yourself float downstream the Sok River in a rubber tyre) you can see the natural beauty of Khao Sok. You might spot early morning or late afternoon Macaque monkeys, snakes curled up in tree branches and birds.

Tour 3: Elephant Trekking, 2 hours.

Description: Experience the rainforest from the back of your elephant, one of world's most gentle animals. Our elephant camp is just 15 min. (by car) away. The tour will take you through rubber plantations, rainforest, freshwater streams and a waterfall. Here you can swim and relax before going back to the elephant camp. On the way back to Tree House Resort we will stop at Mai Yai Waterfall and the Khao Sok Viewpoint.

Tour 4: Night Safari, 2 to 4 hours.

Description: Many of Khao Sok's wild animals are nocturnal. Sleeping in the heat of day and hunting at night. Our experienced guide takes you walking in the jungle at night. How exciting can that be! There are many different varieties of fruit farms in the area, and it is there where many wid animals can be seen at night. You might see: ciet cats, slow loris, wild pigs, deers and even a leopard cat.

Tour 5: Half day or 1 day jungle trek.

Description: Trek through Khao Sok National Park with experienced guides. You can choose between a mountain trek or a water (river) trek. The guides have a lot of knowledge, beeing local of Khao Sok. They have walked the jungle trails many times, and have a lot of knowledge of the plants, trees and animals. Thet can spot insects, wildlife and plants which you could never have seen. Various snakes, civet cats, wild pigs, birds, etc. can be seen along the jungle trails.

Tour 6: Cheow Lan Lake, full day.

Description: Highly recommended tour at Cheow Lan Lake. 1 hour by car to Rajaprabada Dam and 1 hour by longtail boat. The Dam was build about 22 years ago and created Cheow Lan Lake. The Dam produces hydro power and supplies many villages in the south from electricity.

On Cheow Lan Lake we arrive at Tone leuy Rafthouses where there is time for swimming and relaxing. you can use one of the kayaks if you like. After lunch we depart for a 4 to 5 hour jungle walk to the Namtaloo Cave. Some people say that this cave is the highlight of Cheow Lan Lake. In the past: this cave was a hide out for communist students fighting the Thai Government back int he 70's. A freshwater forest stream runs troug the cave all year. Sometimes it is possible to see catfish and large toads. When we are inside the cave, you have to wade through the streams inside the cave.

Notes: For this tour it is advisable to wear sandals with straps, shorts and a t shirt. Training shoes are also ok. Big walking boots are not advicable. The trails are easy going and you will get wet. Your boots will just fill up with water. The cave hve some intersting highlights like large stalagtites, stalagmites, rocks with crytal and some waterfalls. There are places where the water is to deep to wade. You will have to swim about 5 to 10 meters. Don't worry it is not dangerous and our guide can take care of your valuables. You will spend about 1 hour inside the cave, so you need a torch, headlight or flashlight. On exit of the cave, you will trek to the rafthouse where you can relax and swim and change to dry clothes.

When we go trekking through the cave, we suggest that you only bring your flashlight, water bottle and camera. (preferable in waterproof bag). The rest you can leave at the raft house or at Khao Sok Tree House Resort. Departure: about 8 am. Arrival back at Tree House: 7 pm. Have breakfast before you leave !

Tour 7: 2 Days / 1 night camping Khao Sok. (camping in a tent)

Description: Highly recommended tour. We will camp at the Ton Gloy Waterfall in Khao Sok National Park. Early morning, round 9 am we start trekking in the rainforest. You will get the chance to see the true inside of Khao Sok Rainforest with all its flowers, plants, trees and animals. On the trees you will see many plants attached to the trees, survival for sunlight.

We make a stop at Bong Le Ap Nam waterfall for lunch and time for some relaxing/swimming. After this we continue to trek to Ton Gloy waterfall. Once arrived at the waterfall we will set up the tents and collect wood to make fire. The fire have two purposes: it keeps animals away and we can cook food on the fire. You will enjoy a real jungle meal ! We have bamboo cooked BBQ, bamboo cooked rice, bamboo coffee, BBQ chicken and fresh fruits. All is served on hand made bamboo plates, made on the spot. Even the coffee cups are from bamboo !

After dinner, we will do a night safari. Most animals are nuctural. After night safari we head back to out tents. You can sit around the fire, but better sleep early and wake up early. The next morning we do a morning safari and you can see and hear Gibbon, langoos, macaque monkeys and hornbill birds. After breakfast we make our way back to Tree House Resort. Departure: 9 am - arrival next day round 4 pm.

Price: Join with others: 2,200 Thb / Private: 3,200 Thb

Program:

Entrance Khao Sok NP.

Jungle walk.

Lunch and relaxing.

Jungle walk.

Camp and night safari.

Morning safari.

Click on photo to enlarge

Tour 8: 2 Days / 1 night camping Cheow Lan Lake. (Camping in a tent)

Description: Highly recommended tour at Cheow Lan Lake. 1 hour by car to Rajaprabada Dam and 1 hour by longtail boat. The Dam was build about 22 years ago and created Cheow Lan Lake. The Dam produces hydro power and supplies many villages in the south from electricity.

On the way to the Dam we stop at the local market. A chance to see how Thai people live and work. Here you can buy the last stuff you think you need on your 2 day camping trip.

We board the longtail boat, and on your way you can see the stunning limestone scenery of Cheow Lan Lake. You will get close to the cliffs so you can see and feel how high it is. Some karsts are over 200m. We arrive at the raft houses where we have lunch and there is time for swimming, relaxing. After lunch we make a jungle trek to the camp site. The camp site is located next to a bend in the river, which makes the place perfect for swimming and fishing. On the camp site we set up the tents and collect fire wood. You will enjoy a real jungle meal ! We have bamboo cooked BBQ, bamboo cooked rice, bamboo coffee, BBQ chicken and fresh fruits. All is served on hand made bamboo plates, made on the spot. Even the coffee cups are from bamboo !

After dinner it is time for night safari. As most animal are nuctural, you will see the animals only at night time. The camp site is in the area of the Namtaloo Cave and many large animals can be seen there. If we are lucky we can see: Barking Deer, tiger, serow, beers and wild pigs, monkeys and rare birds. The evening is spend around the camp fire. Next morning we have a jungle breakfast. After breakfast, we break up camp and leave for a total of 5 hours trek through the jungle and Namtaloo Cave. This jungle trek will take you through deep and thick rainforest. The trek to the cave will take about 2 to 3 hours. We stop near the cave to have lunch. Jungle Lunch ! The area around the cave is ideal for wildlife. You can see snakes, dwellers, and many more animals and insects.

After lunch we will enter the cave. The trek through the cave will take about 1 hour. Inside the cave you will trek and wade through water and streams. At the end of the cave, it narrows which make the water deep. you can swim the last 5 to 10 meter. Our guide will take care of your valuables. When we exit the cave, we make a trek back to the raft houses where we have some time for swimming and relaxing before we return to the pier and transfer back to Tree House Resort.

Tour 9: 2 Days/ 1 night Cheow Lan Lake. (on Raft house)

Description: Highly recommended tour at Cheow Lan Lake. 1 hour by car to Rajaprabada Dam and 1 hour by longtail boat. The Dam was build about 22 years ago and created Cheow Lan Lake. The Dam produces hydro power and supplies many villages in the south from electricity.

On Cheow Lan Lake we arrive at the floating Rafthouses where there is time for swimming and relaxing. you can use one of the kayaks if you like. After lunch we depart for a 4 to 5 hour jungle walk to the View Point. The trek to the view point is about 1,5 hours. The views are exceptional. you have views over the Lake and can see some of the hunderds of small islands. After we trek back to the raft houses, it is time to relax, swim and kayak. Then after, diner, we make a night safari by boat. On the second day, we start early morning with a morning safari by boat. Then it is time for breakfast. After breakfast we trek to the Namtaloo Cave. We have lunch at the entrance of the Cave. The trek through the cave will take about 1 hour. Inside the cave you will trek and wade through water and streams. At the end of the cave, it narrows which make the water deep. you can swim the last 5 to 10 meter. Our guide will take care of your valuables. When we exit the cave, we make a trek back to the raft houses where we have some time for swimming and relaxing before we return to the pier and transfer back to Tree House Resort.

Additional information

Notes: For the overnight tours and jungle trekking it is advisable to wear sandals with straps, shorts and a t shirt. Training shoes are also ok. Big walking boots are not advicable. The trails are easy going and you will get wet. Your boots will just fill up with water. The cave hve some intersting highlights like large stalagtites, stalagmites, rocks with crytal and some waterfalls. There are places where the water is to deep to wade. You will have to swim about 5 to 10 meters. Don't worry it is not dangerous and our guide can take care of your valuables. You will spend about 1 hour inside the cave, so you need a torch, headlight or flashlight. On exit of the cave, you will trek to the rafthouse where you can relax and swim and change to dry clothes.

When we go trekking through the cave, we suggest that you only bring your flashlight, water bottle and camera. (preferable in waterproof bag). The rest you can leave at the raft house or at Khao Sok Tree House Resort. Departure: about 8 am. Arrival back at Tree House: 7 pm. Have breakfast before you leave !

General information for all tours. Please read this section carefully. On each tour you will go into the (deep) jungle and on some tours in caves. Below is a list what to bring on EACH tour.

Sandals with straps. NO BIG hiking boots.

Always 1 set of dry clothes.

Dry bag, waterproof bag as you will get wet.

No valuables. Just a bit of pocket money to buy beer, sigarettes, extra soft drinks, etc.